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Melbourne Heart upset with Sibon suspension decision

Melbourne Heart CEO Scott Munn has admitted that the club is extremely disappointed with the two-match suspension handed to Gerald Sibon.

The Dutch forward has been outed for the next two matches after being found guilty of assault on a player in that he employed violent conduct when not challenging for the ball against Melbourne Victory's Grant Brebner.

Munn believes the incident was looked upon too harshly by the independent Match Review Panel, especially considering it was missed on matchday by the officiating referee.

"Firstly, it is important the Club makes the point that it expects its players to compete in accordance with the rules and we respect that each supporter and commentator can voice their opinion in relation to whether or not Sibon's tackle warranted sanction," Munn said.

"More broadly though, the Club is concerned that the independent Match Review Panel's intervention in this case unreasonably encroaches on the role of the referee and believes this particular decision amounts to the re-refereeing of a football match.

"This was not a behind the play incident nor was it a serious infringement where the referee was not in a position to make a ruling.

"Quite the opposite; the referee was in very close proximity to the tackle, had a clear and unobstructed view of the tackle and no action was taken at the time. This notwithstanding, the independent Match Review Panel has come over the top to effectively issue a Red Card."

Munn also believes that the fact Sibon's penalty has been imposed sadly leaves the Heart with no case to appeal the decision.

"Finally, FFA's statement suggests that a two-week sanction has been offered or proposed to Sibon for him to accept. In the Club's view, the sanction has effectively been imposed - not offered," he added.

"In reality, once found by the independent Match Review Panel to have committed an offence, Sibon has no right to challenge the merits of the decision to the Disciplinary Committee so he must serve the minimum two match suspension."

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.